The Assam Chief Minister is attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 at Davos, marking the first-ever participation of an Assamese leader at this global platform.

About the World Economic Forum

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Cologny, Geneva, Switzerland. 
• Founded in 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab, it is best known for its annual meeting in Davos, where global leaders discuss the world’s most pressing economic and social issues.
• Key global institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization actively participate.
• The forum focuses on global economic growth, geopolitics, technology, education, investment and governance reforms.
• The WEF publishes the Global Risks Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Energy Transition Index.

Why Assam’s participation matters

• Traditionally, only developed Indian states represented India at Davos.
• For the first time, the Union Government has chosen Assam to represent India alongside leading states.
• This reflects Assam’s rising economic profile, especially after the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit.

Assam’s agenda at WEF 2026

• The Chief Minister will participate in over 17 high-level meetings with global investors and industry leaders.
• Key focus areas include:
  • Governance reforms and ease of doing business
  • Industrial growth and manufacturing
  • Technology-driven development
  • Future-ready workforce
  • Travel and tourism
  • Health and healthcare
• Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to attract foreign and domestic investment.

Expected outcomes for Assam

• Enhanced global visibility for Assam as an emerging investment destination.
• Potential investments in semiconductors, technology, infrastructure and services.
• Employment generation for youth through large-scale industrial projects.
• Stronger integration of Assam into India’s broader economic transformation narrative.

One-line wrap

Assam’s debut at the World Economic Forum signals the State’s transition from a peripheral economy to a globally visible investment destination.

Exam Hook 

Q. With reference to the World Economic Forum, consider the following statements:

1. It was founded in 1971 as a non-profit organisation.
2. It provides a platform for interaction among governments, global institutions and private sector leaders.
3. Participation at the forum is restricted only to developed countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only.

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